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Gilmore Girls: Season 6 (US - DVD R1)

Gabe sighs, pushes play on his DVD player, and tries to sit still for 16 hours...

Feature

Lorelai Gilmore, 32, has such a close relationship with her daughter Rory that they are often mistaken for sisters. Between Lorelai's relationship with her parents, Rory's new prep school, and both of their romantic entanglements, there's plenty of drama to go around. This season Lorelai gets engaged, and Rory quits school to live with her wealthy grandparents.

Those who may've read my Smallville: Season 5 review may recall a little whining I did about receiving entire seasons of television shows I did not ask for in the mail to review. About two days after Smallville showed up, Gilmore Girls: Season 6 followed. I admitted to unfairly prejudging the cult Superman series, and actually found watching the series in its entirety sometimes enjoyable, and rarely a chore. After this shameful revelation I decided to give Gilmore Girls the same chance.

This was the wrong choice.

I understand why people love this particular slice of ‘dramedy’, but cannot for a second claim I enjoyed myself. The show's theme seems to be that of people miscommunication in all facets of life. They miscommunicate their intentions, their emotions, and their words are constantly misunderstood or not heard all together. In an early episode, in a somewhat feeble attempt to compare what I'm sure the series' writers assume is witty dialogue to classic Hollywood fare, Lorlai refers to her conversation with her fiancé as a bad Abbot and Costello bit. If only she knew how much I agreed with her.

The constant witty banter is kind of obnoxious, but not enough to shake me from my unmitigated boredom. Had I been fully annoyed with the characters I may've at least been paying attention in hopes that a rock would fall from the heavens and smite them, but alas, I just didn't care. This lack of interest may have something to do with my Y-chromosomes, as I'm made to understand that this is a ‘chick-series’.

I'd like to think I'm mature enough to transcend my gender on occasion, and I love a good romance, but watching Gilmore Girls was kind of like watching afternoon tea featuring Grandma Boringpants and her closest friends. There was some dialogue, some drama, some comedy, but I was so desperate for entertainment I was looking for it rather than just experiencing it. In the end, I was busy enough with other, more pressing reviews, not to mention real life, to decide not to bore myself any further. I stopped watching and started writing this review.

I know it's not very professional of me, but sitting through almost sixteen hours of something that was boring me so seemed fair. If I missed some spectacular revelation, I apologize to the series fans for this uneducated review. Honestly though, nothing short of the town catching fire, Rory becoming a serial killing hooker, or Lorelai growing an extra head was going to keep me interested. The series is very well made, it looks nice and theatrical, and I thank God for the lack of a laugh track. The actors are all solid, though Alexis ‘The Forehead’ Bledel seems to only know how to look concerned and slightly annoyed (her small roll in Sin City doesn't really show much more range).

Critically, the problem here is that all these characters are such archetypes that I can't get excited about any of them. Lorelai's fiancé is taken right out of the women's dream guy journal, rugged (look, he wears a backwards baseball cap), widowed (or ditched, I don't know the back story), good with kids. She works with a saucy gay man who makes Will and Grace look progressive (which it is not). Rory's college friends are a mother's fantasy, they actually care about school, but in order to keep the 15-25 demographic, they aren't afraid to party. The town’s full of overweight, Chatty Cathys that keep up on all the ‘good dirt’. Worst of all is Lorelai's rich parents, who are so wrapped up in their societal standing that they don't realize how detached and blatantly racist they are. Wow, rich snobs that harp on their only daughter... where have I seen that before?

If you're one of the many that enjoy this series, more power to you. I'm not going to call it awful, because it isn't. It is, however, uninspired, and I did find it excruciatingly boring. Its popularity doesn't blow my mind, and I understand that not all entertainment, especially not that which is made to pander to the largest demographic, needs to be high art, or even original. I'm sure this review wasn't going to do anything for the show anyway, no matter what my opinion may have been, beneficial or detrimental.

Video

Gilmore Girls looks like what it is, a recently minted, medium budgeted TV show with little theatrical ambition. This full-frame transfer leaves me with little to review because it's neither spectacular enough to garner praise, nor dilapidated enough to garner contempt. This is the middle of the road, all the way. The frame is usually colourful, and the colours seem well represented. There is a presence of grain in low-lit sequences, but nothing too obtrusive. On an HD display the picture reveals some pixelisation, and general digital noise, but on a standard tube set these flaws are invisible.

Audio

Nothing special here either. The Dolby Surround track is fine for such a show, so centred around the 'clever' dialogue. The music is wretch worthy, but this is to be expected from a WB original series. There was no audio distortion throughout, but there also isn't much in the way of dynamic range to the track.

Extras

Overall

So I didn't like it, but I wasn't exactly the target audience, now was I? The show is well made enough, and seems to successfully fill the void left in plenty of people's lives, so who am I to judge? The DVD set has no extras, and a very average A/V presentation, but the folks that love the show shouldn't be too concerned. Hopefully I won't be receiving anymore surprise TV series sets in the mail anytime soon, and show fans won't have to listen to me not enjoy their favourites any more.

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It's along time after the original thread but as a bloke I have to say I'm enjoying Gilmore Girls. Originally got theses as a present for my sister but have now watched all of season one and apart from starting to menstruate I think they are great!

Not that I am a fan, but it seems somewhat ironic that directly under the, and I quote: ''There's nothing here. Nothing at all. Just six discs of bickering, pretty, white people.'' is a picture of a person positively black in appearance.

I really like this show and I'm a guy. Well, a gay guy so that may explain part of it but I know football players at my High School who watch this show religiously and to my knowledge they're straight.

You're right about that Gabe. I started watching VERY few of the shows I watch at the beginning. Frankly I don't understand why the people are arguing over the fact that Gabe didn't like the show. He reviewed the technical aspects of the disc (i.e. video and audio), which is what most of the people reading this review should focus their main attention on. After all, are there that many non-viewers of the show on television going to just pick up the sixth season of the show at the store when they don't even know anything about it? That's just my two cents for what its worth.

I had just as little interest and just as little knowledge of Smallville when I watch season 5, but I actually enjoyed it on a whole. I think a great TV show can pull new veiwers in no matter when the come in.

T800 wrote: It's like someone reviewing the 7th or 8th seasons of The X Files or season 3 of Alias and saying they're no good, does that mean they shouldn't see the first seasons, should anyone who started with The Phantom Menace skip the other films ?

Yes, if they disliked it so much that it made them not want to watch anything else in the series. Reviewers are people too and if one of us doesn't like something, why shouldn't we give an honest opinion?

All the fans out there know what they like and anyone thinking about getting into a show should read more than one review to get a balanced view. At no point did Gabe say that he is the supreme authority on Gilmore Girls but on the other hand, why shouldn't he review it as a newcomer? Most TV shows are fairly accessible from any point in any season anyway. All opinions count equally as long as they are backed up, whether they are right or wrong in someone else's mind.

Konman72 wrote: Wow, what a perfect review. I agree completely. The whole fast talking thing may appeal to other people, but to me it just comes across as obnoxious and annoying. Although I can see how others MAY enjoy it (as you said so yourself). As progressive as I am I can still admit that this show is made for women and women only (of course some men can and do enjoy it but they are not being TARGETTED by the producers). The drama is not the same drama one would find on 24, Lost or Battlestar Galactica and that is exactly what the producers, and audience, want. However, it is not the kind of drama that I care about. "Who is Rory going to date next?", "Will Lorelai get along with her mother?", "Will they ever talk at a normal pace?! I don't care.

All of this, "he shouldn't be reviewing it" nonsense is insane. Would he have enjoyed it more had he watched the first 5 seasons? Maybe, but if someone has watched the first 5 seasons of a show they are pretty much hooked and no review will sway them. Now, if someone had only had minor exposure to the show (or none at all) then a review by an uninterested third party is the perfect way for them to find out whether or not this is a purchase they should make. Like it or not this isn't a review for Gilmore Girls seasons 1-6, it is for season 6 and season 6 only. Gabe is giving his OPINION as a non-fan of the show and that is exactly what he should do since other non-fans might look to him to decide whether or not they should pick up this release. If you like the show, awesome, I'm glad you find enjoyment in it. However, there are many who disagree and you just have to accept that. Grab your DVD at Walmart and move on. This review has no effect on you.

Who is gonna decide to get into the Gilmore Girls, buying expensive season sets by reading a review of the 6th season of a show by someone who hasn't seen the previous seasons ????

It's like someone reviewing the 7th or 8th seasons of The X Files or season 3 of Alias and saying they're no good, does that mean they shouldn't see the first seasons, should anyone who started with The Phantom Menace skip the other films ?

I don't mean to offend you Gabe and I understand that you have to review these sets to keep the suppliers happy but all this review has done is annoy most fans and please non fans.

You obviously missed getting the 7th disc with the unrated tag and the pool of jelly But seriously, I can see where you are going with this - my wife used to watch this but quickly became bored with it as it seemed to be the same storyline slightly rehashed each week - but that is my wifes opinion....

Love this show. am a male. writing is great, almost comparable to buffy - loving you jane espenson - and to all the haters, who love family guy, seth macfarlane did a guest spot on the show's earlier series so he must have supported at some stage, the two shows can co-exist in loving harmony children. oooh lauren graham is a hottie but paris is my fave character, there is this line in one episode where she walks into her dorm building and its clearly raining outside and some random girl asks her if it is raining, paris makes some random smartass comment and suggests that the girl should have her tubes tied. ahahaha classic. you gotta be there. lol i am from australia. woohoo!

Wow, what a perfect review. I agree completely. The whole fast talking thing may appeal to other people, but to me it just comes across as obnoxious and annoying. Although I can see how others MAY enjoy it (as you said so yourself). As progressive as I am I can still admit that this show is made for women and women only (of course some men can and do enjoy it but they are not being TARGETTED by the producers). The drama is not the same drama one would find on 24, Lost or Battlestar Galactica and that is exactly what the producers, and audience, want. However, it is not the kind of drama that I care about. "Who is Rory going to date next?", "Will Lorelai get along with her mother?", "Will they ever talk at a normal pace?! I don't care.

All of this, "he shouldn't be reviewing it" nonsense is insane. Would he have enjoyed it more had he watched the first 5 seasons? Maybe, but if someone has watched the first 5 seasons of a show they are pretty much hooked and no review will sway them. Now, if someone had only had minor exposure to the show (or none at all) then a review by an uninterested third party is the perfect way for them to find out whether or not this is a purchase they should make. Like it or not this isn't a review for Gilmore Girls seasons 1-6, it is for season 6 and season 6 only. Gabe is giving his OPINION as a non-fan of the show and that is exactly what he should do since other non-fans might look to him to decide whether or not they should pick up this release. If you like the show, awesome, I'm glad you find enjoyment in it. However, there are many who disagree and you just have to accept that. Grab your DVD at Walmart and move on. This review has no effect on you.

Personally, (as in my opinion, which is what Gabe and the others have been trying to put across) I liked Gabes review. It was straight to the point and honest, no skirting around, no bull which is what I like to read. He admitted it wasn't professional of him to not be able to sit through it and even aplogized for the unbiased review... what more do you want from him?

I think there are a few people in this thread in need of a time out. The ability to comment on reviews is a luxury, not a right, and if some of you can't be more constructive than 'you're wrong!' and 'you suck!' type comments, you will lose that luxury.

Frankly, I'm consistently amazed by the number of people who take a negative review of something that they hold dear so personally. Are you that weak-minded that you feel threatened by opinions contrary to your own? If you disagree with Gabe, fine, post your opinion of the show and back it up with cogent arguments (which doesn't include 'it's award-winning, cause that's not your opinion). Don't bad-mouth one of our reviewers simply because he chooses to review a film/series honestly.

Hey, thanks for telling me what I have the right to review. I'd hate to think I was over stepping my rights as an unpaid DVD reviewer. You can tell me you don't need offense, but when you dictate my personal rights to me I can't help but be a little offended. All this garbage about me not being a fair person to review the series is asinine.

First of all, I didn't like the show, and like I said in the review, which apparently no one actually read in its entirety, short of something entirely surreal happening nothing was going to make me change my mind on the matter, especially not watching more of the show.

Secondly, as I SAID AT THE START OF MY REVIEW, I did not ask for this set, a company sent it to me, and in order to keep these people happy I review EVERYTHING I get.

So spare me all the reasons as to why my opinion is bulls**t and just accept the fact that we don't all like the same thing. I knew this was going to happen the second I realized I didn't like the film because rabid fans are the most close minded people on the internet. Just admit that you're pissed off that I didn't like the show you love and get over it. Don't make it personal, especially when you have nothing to do with the shows production. You are a viewer, you buy the Coke and McDonalds they advertise during commercials, you make the producers happy, and who really cares what I think?

BoBoi wrote: No offence of any kind, but I don't think anyone that haven't seen 1-5 have any rights to review this show having seen purely Season 6

To be honest, I don't understand the logic there. If Gabe were to turn on the TV and happen to watch an episode of Gilmore Girls, he would automatically form an opinion, either positive or negative and he certainly wouldn't be forced to watch every episode up to the one that was showing.

In this case, the PR company representing the producers of the show seemed to think that he had as much right to review this as anyone else so he's done the professional thing and reviewed it honestly. If anyone wants to blame someone for the low rating, blame the PR company for sending it to Gabe without warning. There's not much point passing the set on to a fan to review (I'm pretty sure there aren't any GG devotees writing for DVDActive anyway) because the whole idea of being a critic is that you give your own opinion based on your preferences and values.

As for the male/female thing, TV producers are slaves to advertisers who work on demographics. Like it or not, this is a TV show designed to get female eyeballs in front of adverts aimed at them in the same way that some ad exec thinks that all 24 viewers are men that want to buy a new car.

bobbies wrote: I have to be honest, if you didn't like it why did you watch all 16 hours? Seems idiotic to me. I'm sure you'll answer something about integrity and such, but watching the sixth season of a show when you haven't seen ANY of the previous five isn't integrity, it's ignorance. You either should have done some research or not reviewed the set (or found someone qualified...). The show IS one of the most acclaimed on TV, critically speaking, and you'll find that having seen the other seasons provides the much lamented depth you talked about. Ignorance obviously isn't bliss. I totally agree and totally disagree with the review. This is by far on the the most critically acclaimed show on TV at present. The show is going on the 7th Season.

No offence of any kind, but I don't think anyone that haven't seen 1-5 have any rights to review this show having seen purely Season 6, simply because...ummm just like many people said above that this show have come a long way and jumping in like that just like giving no respect to the fans of the show. Surely the fan of the show deserve a more objective view. I just think it would be more appropriate that someone who have seen all 1-6 should be reviewing this.

Well then, what's next to say, perhaps I do want to contribute on reviewing Season 7 of the show! '

Gabe Powers wrote: Now, now, this isn't an insult contest, not that I'm fond of any of the shows you mentioned there, except Family Guy, I can watch that while waiting for Metalocalypse. I didn't mean to insult anyone's favorite show here. If I was insulting viewers, you'd know it.

Like I said in the review, the pop-culture, mile-a-minute stuff was grating to me, but I do get why others love it. Thanks for expressing you opinion after actually reading my review, khelinski, and thanks for apriciating my slant on the series.

Speaking as someone who also reviews DVDs I can understand the frustration of getting something not very appealing to review. Especially for a show so many seasons in.

Even worse (being someone who thoroughly enjoys the show) I can safely say season six is by a fair margin the show's weakest. For a newcomer there is no worse place to start, it's like watching The Sopranos from Season 6, it's simply not indicative of the quality that's come before.

Now, now, this isn't an insult contest, not that I'm fond of any of the shows you mentioned there, except Family Guy, I can watch that while waiting for Metalocalypse. I didn't mean to insult anyone's favorite show here. If I was insulting viewers, you'd know it.

Like I said in the review, the pop-culture, mile-a-minute stuff was grating to me, but I do get why others love it. Thanks for expressing you opinion after actually reading my review, khelinski, and thanks for apriciating my slant on the series.

One thing that makes the show work, IS the writing. OK...so it's not a power-house drama with 50 thousand F words, like the stuff on HBO. It isn't a "shocker" repetitious 'GET F'N' DOWN", like 24. And it isn't even as addictive as Lost.

But, there is still some solid ground with Gilmore Girls. It's fast-pace, pop-culture references a mile-a-minute dialogue. It's satirical approach on both, small towns, and small town TV shows. The show is damn good...

I did enjoy the review here, though. Almost has a satirical spin, wrapped around a satirical show. The irony!

By the way, Family Guy sucks. Now, you want to talk about dry, boring stuff. Let's try hard and milk every second, for a joke that isn't funny to begin with. Sorry, fan-boys...never saw the greatness some people proclaim Family Guy has.

bobbies wrote: I have to be honest, if you didn't like it why did you watch all 16 hours? Seems idiotic to me. I'm sure you'll answer something about integrity and such, but watching the sixth season of a show when you haven't seen ANY of the previous five isn't integrity, it's ignorance. You either should have done some research or not reviewed the set (or found someone qualified...). The show IS one of the most acclaimed on TV, critically speaking, and you'll find that having seen the other seasons provides the much lamented depth you talked about. Ignorance obviously isn't bliss.

You say that "This lack of interest may have something to do with my Y-chromosomes, as I'm made to understand that this is a ‘chick-series’." So I assume only women like terrible shows? Only women would want to watch something bad? Whatever. Don't try and blame your gender for not liking the show. Just say "this isn't my type of show and I shouldn't be reviewing it, so I won't" and then move on.

..and you should actually read the entire review before making snarky comments based on my personal opinion.

To quote myself:Quote: "In the end, I was busy enough with other, more pressing reviews, not to mention real life, to decide not to bore myself any further. I stopped watching and started writing this review. "

and

Quote: I'd like to think I'm mature enough to transcend my gender on occasion, and I love a good romance, but watching Gilmore Girls was kind of like watching afternoon tea featuring Grandma Boringpants and her closest friends.

perhaps some of my meaning was lost in my sarcasm, but I was trying to make a point about the fact that I thought the show was just bad, and it had nothing to do with my sex.

But don't let me stop you from signing onto a website just to make a series of remarks about the integrity of someone who was just trying to do his best in a bad situation. And hey, if other critics have acclaim for the series, how dare I not go along with it, right? I mean why would we want people to be honest. I'm sorry that this forum turned into a boys VS girls debate, I didn't mean it to.

I'm a guy and Gilmore Girls is one of the few shows that I watch. It sometimes tries a little too hard, but it's funny and well written. It's a lot better than the majority of c**p that's out there, now.

I have to be honest, if you didn't like it why did you watch all 16 hours? Seems idiotic to me. I'm sure you'll answer something about integrity and such, but watching the sixth season of a show when you haven't seen ANY of the previous five isn't integrity, it's ignorance. You either should have done some research or not reviewed the set (or found someone qualified...). The show IS one of the most acclaimed on TV, critically speaking, and you'll find that having seen the other seasons provides the much lamented depth you talked about. Ignorance obviously isn't bliss.

You say that "This lack of interest may have something to do with my Y-chromosomes, as I'm made to understand that this is a ‘chick-series’." So I assume only women like terrible shows? Only women would want to watch something bad? Whatever. Don't try and blame your gender for not liking the show. Just say "this isn't my type of show and I shouldn't be reviewing it, so I won't" and then move on.

Mal wrote: T800 wrote: I think it's a bad bad idea for someone to review the sixth season of a show that hasn't seen any before. The Gilmore Girls have come a long way in the last 6 years with situations playing out the fans have waited years to see. Cue five seasons of Gilmore Girls randomly appearing at Gabe's place. Cue Gabe crying in the corner like a little Gilmore Girl.

Sorry I didn't like it gang. I tried. More power to everyone who does.

T800 wrote: I think it's a bad bad idea for someone to review the sixth season of a show that hasn't seen any before. The Gilmore Girls have come a long way in the last 6 years with situations playing out the fans have waited years to see. Cue five seasons of Gilmore Girls randomly appearing at Gabe's place.

This show is really good, I have seen every episode and it's one of the best things on TV. Why do some people say it's just for girls ?

I think it's a bad bad idea for someone to review the sixth season of a show that hasn't seen any before. The Gilmore Girls have come a long way in the last 6 years with situations playing out the fans have waited years to see.

P.S. I'm a 29 year old hetrosexual male and my favourite shows are 24 and The Wire.

I know it's a shock, but the ONLY people I know who like this show are girls. I tried to watch an episode once and I think a root canal would have been more enjoyable. The characters, the writing....the entire basis for the show was c**p. And I got that after one episode. I think someone needs to send you a fruit basket (with alcohol) for watching 16 episodes.

The Family Guy joke for this show just about sums this up. I can not understand for the life of me why any man would enjoy this.. "Hopefully I won't be receiving anymore surprise TV series sets in the mail anytime soon, and show fans won't have to listen to me not enjoy their favourites any more." Haha, too true, but then again, you could get some good ones (like 24 baby!!).